How to Set Business Goals That Actually Stick (Creative Entrepreneur Edition)
If you’re anything like me, the idea of setting “corporate goals” makes your shoulders creep up toward your ears. You already want out. PowerPoint decks. Quarterly meetings. Words like initiatives and KPIs.
Hard pass.
But here’s the truth: if you’re a creative entrepreneur, your dreams do need structure — just not the kind that suffocates the joy, or, ironically—the creativity, out of them.
I’m a wife, a new mom, and a business owner building three small family businesses with my husband. Our family motto is simple but challenging:
“Do the next right thing with courage and excellence, and for the glory of God.”
So when I sit down to plan 2026, I’m not chasing resolutions that box me in. I want creative business goals that feel aligned, intentional, filled with godly ambition — and grounded in real life… the kind that still work when nap schedules change, clients reschedule, and meals somehow need to appear on the table.
Let’s talk about how to set business goals that actually stick — and that you’ll still love six months from now.
Start With Reflection (Yes, Before You Dream Bigger)
It’s tempting to sprint straight into “new year, new me,” but real wisdom starts with reflection.
Ask yourself — honestly:
What worked in 2025?
What gave me life?
What drained me?
What was the fruit that my work produced?
Where did revenue actually come from — not just where I hoped it would?
What did my business cost my life? Time? Peace? Relationships?
What did it give back?
For me, this exercise always exposes uncomfortable truth… followed by freeing clarity. Maybe you realize you’re undercharging. Or hiding in busywork instead of selling. Or you’re everywhere online — but nowhere consistently.
Reflection is humbling.
Reflection is clarifying.
Reflection honors what God has already done — and prepares your heart for what He might do next.
Choose Guiding Values or Words
Instead of setting 47 random goals, pick values that filter your decisions.
Think:
Simplicity — fewer offers, deeper impact
Impact — focus your service, don’t just increase it
Freedom — build systems that give your time back
This year, our family is anchored to courage, excellence, and faithfulness to God. Not perfection — just obedience with what’s already in our hands.
If something doesn’t align? Don’t force it.
You surrender it — boldly and unapologetically.
Break Down Big Goals Into Milestones
Big goals sound exciting… until they quietly become overwhelming.
“I want to hit six figures.”
“I want to book my dream clients.”
“I want to scale my creative business.”
Cool. Love it. But what does that look like monthly? Quarterly? Weekly?
Try this:
Identify your annual goal
Break it into quarterly milestones
Turn those milestones into simple weekly actions
And here’s the kicker: build in margin!
No one thrives under nonstop pressure, especially when unexpected real life obstacles happen. Make room for the unexpected, because it will come.
Consistency beats intensity. Every time.
Use Systems to Support Your Goals (So You Don’t Burn Out)
Goals without systems turn into guilt.
Let’s avoid that.
Systems that actually help:
Batching content — protect your creative brain and take advantage of when you’re feeling inspired!
Automation — emails, onboarding, scheduling… let software do its job. I choose HoneyBook for my CRM.
Clear client boundaries — clarify response times, timelines, and expectations.
Templates + workflows — repeatable excellence > constant reinvention.
This is where my web-design brain kicks in:
👉 your website should work like an employee, not a business card.
If your site isn’t supporting your goals, it’s quietly working against them.
A strategic website supports your goals from day one — explore my Squarespace templates built to grow with you, or apply for a 2-week template customization sprint that gets your site polished fast.
Build In Flexibility — Because Life Happens
Here’s the thing: I’m building businesses while also building a family. Some days are smooth. Some do not go “according to plan.” And through it all, God keeps reminding me:
I’m not the one holding the world together.
So your plan needs margin. Flex days. Catch-up weeks. Creative-adventuring space.
Flexibility isn’t laziness.
Flexibility is honoring reality.
You’re not a machine. You’re a whole person.
You Don’t Need More Hustle — You Need Clarity + Intention
The internet will scream at you to grind harder. Sleep less. Want more.
I’m not buying it.
Most creatives don’t need more noise. They need sharper focus and deeper conviction.
Know who you are.
Know Who you serve.
Know why your work matters.
Then build bravely.
Step by step.
Brick by brick.
Faithful over flashy.
Intentional over frantic.
Excellent over hurried.
That’s how goals actually stick.
Want to Build Your Business With Me?
If you’re a creative entrepreneur, small business owner, or freelancer who wants to grow with clarity, strategy, and heart — I’d love to stay connected.
👉 Sign up for my newsletter to follow our journey building three family businesses, plus motherhood, faith, and real-talk strategy — straight to your inbox.
And if your website is ready for its next chapter:
👉 Explore my Squarespace templates — built for strategy, beauty, and growth
👉 Apply for a template customization sprint — and get a done-for-you site in just two weeks
Because you don’t just need goals.
You need a foundation that supports them.
And I’m cheering you on!
